Did you know that pregnant and breastfeeding women are still required to pay their fasting debts, not just pay fidyah? Many Muslim women still misunderstand the concept of paying fidyah. Some of them assume that once they have paid fidyah, their obligation to pay their Ramadan fasting debts is no longer valid. In fact, this rule only applies to Muslims who are unable to pay their fasting debts in the future. For example, the elderly or people with serious illnesses who can only survive with medication.
Instead of wondering, check out the detailed explanation below. Scroll down!
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women Must Pay Their Fasting Debt
We often hear the phrase “Islam is a religion of rahmatan lil ‘alamin,” right? But what does that mean? Islam is full of love, as Allah has decreed for His servants. One form of Allah’s compassion is not burdening His servants beyond their capabilities. This includes fasting during Ramadan.
So, why can’t pregnant and breastfeeding mothers just pay fidyah? Why do they still have to make up for or pay their fasting debt? Aren’t they already struggling to take care of their babies and feed them so they can grow well?
Because pregnant and breastfeeding women still have a greater opportunity and possibility to pay their fasting debts at a later date, even if the amount of fasting debt is large. However, this may not apply to mothers who have certain health risks and are unable or do not have the opportunity to pay their fasting debts at a later date.
Meanwhile, elderly people who are physically very weak are not obliged to pay their fasting debts. It is sufficient to pay fidyah to replace the missed fasts. This is because the older a person gets, the weaker their body becomes.
Apart from the elderly, another category of people who are allowed to pay fidyah instead of making up for missed fasts are the sick. The term sick people here refers to those who have no potential for recovery. For example, cancer patients whose lives depend on medication.
This provision is based on the words of Allah SWT in Surah Al-Baqarah, which reads:
“…and it is obligatory for those who find it difficult (if they do not fast) to pay fidyah, (namely): feeding a poor person.”
(QS. al-Baqarah: 184)
Read also: Paying Fidyah with Money in Ramadan 2026, How Much is the Amount?
The Law of Paying Fidyah for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
Scholars differ in their opinions regarding the law for pregnant and breastfeeding women, whether they should only pay fidyah, or only make up the fasts, or are required to pay fidyah and make up the fasts.
Maliki School
This school of thought argues that pregnant and breastfeeding women who are concerned about their own condition, or concerned about the condition of their child, or concerned about both, may not fast. However, they are required to make up their fasts outside of Ramadan.
According to the Maliki school of thought, pregnant women are not required to pay fidyah, but are required to make up their fasts. Meanwhile, breastfeeding women are required to pay both fidyah and their fasts.
Hanafi School
This school of thought argues that pregnant and breastfeeding women who are concerned about their own condition, or the condition of their child, or the condition of both, are allowed not to fast. As a consequence, they are required to make up for their fast outside of Ramadan and are not required to pay fidyah.
Hambali School of Thought
This school of thought argues that pregnant and breastfeeding women who are concerned about their own condition, or the condition of their child, or both, are allowed not to fast during Ramadan. Consequently, those who are concerned about themselves, or concerned about themselves and their child, are required to make up for their fast, but are not required to pay fidyah. Meanwhile, those who are only concerned about the condition of their child are required to make up for the fast and pay fidyah.
Shafi’i School of Thought
The Shafi’i school of thought argues that pregnant and breastfeeding women who are concerned about their own condition, or the condition of their child, or both, are allowed not to fast during Ramadan. Consequently, those who are concerned about their own condition, or their own condition and that of their child, are required to make up for the number of days they missed. Meanwhile, those who are only concerned about the condition of their child are required to make up for the fast and pay fidyah for the number of days they missed.
Based on the opinions of the four schools of thought, they all agree that pregnant and breastfeeding women who are concerned that fasting will cause harm, and that harm is more directed towards themselves, are allowed to skip Ramadan fasting, but are required to pay their fasting debt. However, if the concern is more directed towards their children only, then they are allowed not to fast, but are required to make up for the fast and pay fidyah.
Jumhur Ulama
Based on jumhur ulama, pregnant and breastfeeding women must pay fidyah and fasting debt if they do not fast because they are concerned about the condition or safety of their child only. Meanwhile, if they are concerned about their own safety, or the condition of themselves and their child, then they may not fast and are only required to pay fasting debt.
Read also: Fidyah Payment Deadline: When Must It Be Paid and When Does It End?
Opinions That Allow Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women to Pay Fidyah Only
Muslim intellectual Yusuf al-Qardhawi argues that pregnant and breastfeeding women may pay fidyah only without having to make up for the fast. This ruling applies to women who are pregnant and breastfeeding who may not have the opportunity to make up for it. For example, a woman goes through pregnancy, then breastfeeding, and this cycle repeats itself (after becoming pregnant and giving birth, she becomes pregnant again shortly thereafter). If women in this situation are burdened with paying both the fasting debt and fidyah, it will be difficult for them. This is because they are required to fast for several consecutive years after the pregnancy and breastfeeding period is over.
Now you know the provisions for paying fidyah and fasting debts for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, right? May we all obey His commands and be given guidance to carry them out correctly. Don’t forget to pay your fidyah through Dompet Dhuafa! (RQA)
